Community Programs

The Community Programs team focuses on connecting people to the land in ways that are meaningful to them. The most visible expression of this goal is the many daily outdoor activities on the Landmarks led by staff and trained volunteers. Community Programs team members develop and implement a wide variety of training programs for volunteers, including interpretive naturalist training, training to lead public activities of all types, resource stewardship training, and ongoing naturalist education.

Hundreds of community members contribute their time to the land by volunteering with the Conservancy in more than a dozen different jobs. Many volunteers become trained in several types of activities and contribute hundreds of hours each year. Through this active, expansive volunteer program, the Conservancy connects thousands of people to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks each year. Volunteer-led community outreach programs bring awareness and education into communities that may not be familiar with or easily able to visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The Community Programs team also organizes and manages large stewardship events for corporate volunteer groups, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups. This includes organizing team-building projects for groups of 20 or more to give back to the land through habitat restoration, native plant propagation, invasive weed removal, and other stewardship projects.